High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

High school teachers work in either public or private schools. Generally, they work during school hours, but most also work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. However, most do not teach during the summer.

High school teachers must have a bachelor's degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license, which may require an academic background in the subject(s) they will be certified to teach.

The median annual wage for high school teachers was $57,200 in May 2015.

Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Overall growth is expected to be affected by larger class sizes and enrollment rate. Employment growth will vary by region.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for high school teachers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of high school teachers with similar occupations.

Learn more about high school teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.